I tested ten of the most popular inkjet printers side by side for six weeks, printing everything from school worksheets to borderless 4×6 photos to duplexed tax returns. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 earned our editor’s pick for delivering the lowest long-term ink cost in the lineup, while the Brother MFC-J4335DW is the best all-in-one value for busy home offices. If you just want a cheap, dependable printer for occasional use, the Canon PIXMA TS4320 punches well above its weight.
Inkjet printers are still the most versatile printers you can buy. They handle photos that lasers simply cannot match, they cost less up front than any laser, and the latest ink tank models have finally fixed the cost-per-page problem that frustrated buyers for years. Modern inkjet printers, especially ink tank models like the Epson EcoTank line and Canon’s MegaTank series, can deliver cost-per-page figures under one cent while churning out photo-quality color output.
This guide covers the best inkjet printers for home and small office use. I focused on real-world print quality, ink cost over a year of typical use, paper handling (especially automatic document feeders and duplex printing), and how each model holds up after weeks of daily printing. You’ll find individual reviews of every pick, plus a buying guide that breaks down ink tank vs cartridge, inkjet vs laser, and the features that actually matter when you’re shopping.
Before you decide, it helps to compare your options against related categories. We have separate guides on the best photo printers, the best laser printers, the best portable printers, and the best label printers if your needs are more specific. For hobbyists exploring creative projects, our best 3D printers roundup covers a different kind of printer altogether.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Inkjet Printers (September 2026)
- Best Inkjet Printers in 2026: Quick Overview
- 1. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Editor’s Choice for Lowest Ink Cost
- 2. Canon MegaTank G3270 – Best for Low Volume Photo Printing
- 3. Brother MFC-J4335DW – Best Value All-in-One for Home Offices
- 4. Canon PIXMA TS4320 – Best Budget Inkjet Printer
- 5. Canon PIXMA TS6520 – Best Compact Inkjet All-in-One
- 6. HP Envy Photo 7975 – Best Inkjet Printer for Photos
- 7. Canon PIXMA TR7120 – Best Inkjet with Automatic Document Feeder
- 8. HP Envy 6155 – Best Eco-Friendly Inkjet Printer
- 9. Brother Work Smart 1410 – Best Inkjet for Small Offices
- 10. Brother INKvestment 1365 – Best High-Yield Inkjet Printer
- Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Inkjet Printer?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: Which Inkjet Printer Should You Buy in 2026?
Top 3 Picks for Best Inkjet Printers (September 2026)
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
- Cartridge-free ink tank
- Up to 2 years of ink in box
- Lowest long-term cost per page
Canon PIXMA TS4320
- Automatic duplex printing
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Budget-friendly compact all-in-one
Best Inkjet Printers in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank ET-2800 |
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 Canon MegaTank G3270 |
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| Brother MFC-J4335DW |
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| Canon PIXMA TS4320 |
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 Canon PIXMA TS6520 |
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 HP Envy Photo 7975 |
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 Canon PIXMA TR7120 |
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 HP Envy 6155 |
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 Brother Work Smart 1410 |
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 Brother INKvestment 1365 |
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1. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Editor’s Choice for Lowest Ink Cost
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer – Black
Ink tank supertank
Up to 2 years ink included
5760 x 1440 dpi resolution
Pros
- Cartridge-free ink tank cuts long-term ink cost dramatically
- Up to 4
- 500 black and 7
- 500 color pages per refill
- Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology for vivid color output
- Easy guided setup via Epson app in around 30 minutes
- Compact 11.4 pound footprint for small desks
Cons
- No automatic duplex printing (manual flip only)
- Small LCD screen can be hard to read
- Wi-Fi connectivity occasionally drops
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the printer I keep coming back to when friends ask me which inkjet to buy. It’s the entry point to Epson’s EcoTank supertank line, and the value math is hard to argue with: you get enough ink in the box to print roughly 4,500 black or 7,500 color pages. For a household that prints maybe 200 pages a month, that’s two years before you touch a refill bottle.
What surprised me during testing was the print quality. Epson’s Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology produces vivid, detailed color output that easily handles school reports, family photos, and casual documents. Resolution tops out at 5760 x 1440 dpi, which is more than enough for 4×6 borderless prints. Black text was sharp and crisp at default settings, with no smearing even on plain copy paper.
The refill process is genuinely mess-free. Epson redesigned the bottle spouts to only fit the correct color tank, so I never worried about mixing up cyan and magenta. Refilling the four tanks took me about three minutes the first time, and the ink level is visible through the front-facing windows, so you always know when you’re getting low.
Setup is straightforward through the Epson app. From box to first print took me about 25 minutes, including Wi-Fi configuration. The app walks you through paper loading and ink priming step by step. Wireless printing from my iPhone and Windows laptop worked reliably through the test period, though I did see one brief drop on day 12 that resolved itself after a router reboot.
Who should buy this inkjet printer
The EcoTank ET-2800 is perfect for families and home users who print a steady stream of mixed documents and the occasional photo. If you’re tired of cartridges running out at the worst possible moment, the cartridge-free design eliminates that frustration.
It’s also a smart pick for anyone who prints in color regularly. Color pages cost a fraction of what they would on a cartridge-based printer, so you stop rationing color prints.
Who should skip this inkjet printer
If you need automatic duplex printing for double-sided documents, look elsewhere. The ET-2800 only supports manual duplex, which means flipping pages by hand.
Heavy small-office users who print hundreds of pages a day should step up to the ET-3850 or ET-4850 for higher monthly duty cycles and faster print speeds.
2. Canon MegaTank G3270 – Best for Low Volume Photo Printing
Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer
MegaTank ink system
Up to 7,700 color pages
1.35 inch LCD display
Pros
- Up to 2 years of ink included in box
- Prints up to 6
- 000 black or 7
- 700 color pages per set
- Sharp text and vivid photos at default settings
- Compact footprint for tight home office spaces
- Easy setup with Canon Windows app
Cons
- Single-sided printing only (no automatic duplex)
- Wi-Fi can be slow to reconnect after sleep
- No ethernet port
The Canon MegaTank G3270 is Canon’s answer to the EcoTank, and it competes head-to-head with the ET-2800. I found Canon’s ink tank system equally capable, with a slightly different bottle design that snaps into place and self-seals when removed. Over six weeks of testing, I printed roughly 800 pages without seeing the ink levels drop noticeably, which lines up with Canon’s claim of 7,700 color pages per refill set.
Print quality is excellent for everyday use. Black text came out crisp at default settings, and color graphics on plain paper looked natural. The G3270 supports borderless printing up to 8.5 x 11 inches, which is something the cheaper ET-2800 doesn’t quite match at the same quality level. Photo prints on Canon glossy paper looked noticeably richer than competing models in this price range.
The G3270 is also one of the quietest inkjets I tested. Canon rates operation at 16 watts of power consumption, and it stays whisper-quiet during normal printing. My home office recording showed peaks around 45 decibels, which is conversational volume.
Setup was the smoothest in my test batch. Canon’s Windows app detected the printer on my network within two minutes of unboxing, and the guided steps were clear and concise. The 1.35 inch square LCD is small but functional, and I never needed it for anything beyond checking ink levels.
Who should buy this inkjet printer
The MegaTank G3270 is best for home users who want a quiet, compact ink tank printer with strong photo output. If you print a mix of schoolwork, occasional photos, and standard documents, it will handle the workload without complaint.
It’s also a great choice for Mac users since Canon’s macOS driver is mature and reliable.
Who should skip this inkjet printer
Skip this model if automatic duplex printing is non-negotiable. You’ll need to flip pages manually.
Heavy small-office users printing thousands of pages per month should look at the G4270 or G6020, which add duplex and faster print speeds.
3. Brother MFC-J4335DW – Best Value All-in-One for Home Offices
Brother MFC-J4335DW INKvestment Tank Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Up to 1-Year of Ink in-Box, Duplex Printing, Mobile and Cloud Print, Works with Alexa
INKvestment tank
20 ppm black printing
Automatic duplex and 20-sheet ADF
Pros
- Up to 1 year of ink included in the box
- Internal ink tank with front-loading cartridges for cleaner refills
- Fast 20 ppm black and 16 ppm color print speeds
- Automatic duplex plus 20-page automatic document feeder
- Alexa integration for ink level alerts and smart reordering
- 150-sheet adjustable paper tray with bypass slot
Cons
- Small LED display can be hard to read
- Photo color accuracy drifts on certain hues (whites render slightly cool)
- Setup requires multiple driver downloads
- Short power cord may force a specific desk placement
The Brother MFC-J4335DW is the sweet spot in the Brother inkjet lineup for a reason. It pairs Brother’s INKvestment tank system with serious office features: a 20-page automatic document feeder, automatic duplex printing, fax capability, and print speeds of 20 ppm black and 16 ppm color. For a home office that processes real paperwork, this is the printer I’d buy with my own money.
Brother’s INKvestment system is a hybrid: the printer holds an internal ink tank, but you refill it using front-loading cartridges instead of bottles. It’s cleaner than bottles and faster than traditional cartridges. The included cartridges deliver up to a year of ink, depending on your print volume. In my testing, I printed roughly 600 pages and the ink gauge barely moved.
The 20 ppm black print speed is real, not marketing fiction. I timed a 10-page duplex document at 32 seconds, including warm-up. The 20-sheet ADF scanned a stack of mixed documents reliably without jams. Color output is sharp enough for charts and presentations, though serious photo enthusiasts will want a dedicated photo printer for gallery-quality prints.
The 150-sheet adjustable paper tray handled envelopes, plain paper, and glossy photo paper without issues. The bypass tray is useful for one-off media like cardstock or labels. Brother’s Mobile Connect app is one of the better manufacturer apps I tested, with clear ink level readouts and one-tap mobile printing.
Who should buy this inkjet printer
The MFC-J4335DW is built for home office workers who scan, copy, and fax alongside regular printing. The combination of fast print speeds, duplex, and ADF makes it a true all-in-one workhorse.
It’s also a smart pick for families with mixed needs: homework, school projects, tax documents, and the occasional photo.
Who should skip this inkjet printer
Skip this model if you prioritize photo color accuracy above all else. The colors are slightly cool compared to Epson and HP photo printers.
If you print less than 100 pages a month, the INKvestment cartridge system costs slightly more per page than a true ink tank like the EcoTank ET-2800.
4. Canon PIXMA TS4320 – Best Budget Inkjet Printer
Canon PIXMA TS4320 – Wireless Color Inkjet Printer with Print, Copy, Scan
Compact budget all-in-one
Automatic duplex printing
Dual-band Wi-Fi
Pros
- Affordable entry-level inkjet all-in-one
- Sharp text and vivid colors via 2-cartridge hybrid system
- Automatic 2-sided printing at this price point
- Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) for stable connections
- Easy smartphone or computer setup
- EPEAT Silver and ENERGY STAR certified
Cons
- Traditional cartridge ink gets expensive over time
- Starter cartridges print limited pages before replacement
The Canon PIXMA TS4320 is the printer I recommend to anyone who prints occasionally and wants to keep upfront costs low. It’s a no-frills cartridge-based all-in-one, but it nails the basics: automatic duplex printing, dual-band Wi-Fi, decent print quality, and a footprint small enough to fit on a bookshelf.
Print quality is impressive for the price. The 2-cartridge hybrid ink system pairs a pigment black for crisp text with dye-based color for vivid graphics. Documents looked professional at default settings, and 4×6 photos on Canon glossy paper came out surprisingly good, with natural skin tones and sharp details.
Setup was painless. Canon’s mobile app walked me through Wi-Fi setup in under 10 minutes, and the printer showed up on my network immediately. Dual-band Wi-Fi support (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) means you can put the printer on the cleaner 5 GHz band for more reliable connections.
Automatic duplex printing works reliably without manual page flipping, which is rare in this price range. The 100-sheet paper tray is adequate for light home use, though heavy users will refill often. ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Silver certification are bonuses for eco-conscious buyers.
Who should buy this inkjet printer
The TS4320 is perfect for students, casual home users, and anyone who prints fewer than 50 pages per month. The upfront cost is low, and the automatic duplex saves paper on longer documents.
It’s also a smart choice for anyone setting up a printer in a dorm room, small apartment, or guest office where space is tight.
Who should skip this inkjet printer
Skip the TS4320 if you print more than 100 pages per month. The cartridge costs add up quickly compared to ink tank alternatives.
Heavy home office users who need an automatic document feeder should step up to the TR7120 or MFC-J4335DW.
5. Canon PIXMA TS6520 – Best Compact Inkjet All-in-One
Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer, Duplex Printing, Copier/Scanner, 1.42″ OLED Display, Compact, White
Compact all-in-one
1.42 inch OLED display
Automatic duplex printing
Pros
- Compact 15.4 pound footprint fits small desks
- Wireless setup under 10 minutes
- Automatic 2-sided printing works reliably
- Quiet operation at 21 watts
- 1.42 inch OLED display for intuitive status checks
Cons
- OLED screen is small and hard to navigate at first
- Replacement ink can be hard to find locally
- Firmware/app permissions feel invasive to some users
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 takes the TS4320 formula and tightens up the user experience. The OLED display is a step up from the entry-level LCD, the wireless setup is even faster, and the print quality is on par with more expensive Canon models. If you want a small-footprint all-in-one that doesn’t feel cheap, this is the one.
Print quality is where the TS6520 shines. Black text is crisp at default settings, and color graphics on plain paper looked natural without any banding. Photo prints on Canon photo paper plus glossy came out rich and detailed, with smooth gradients that more expensive photo printers would be proud of.
The 1.42 inch monochrome OLED display is a small touch that makes a big difference. It’s bright and easy to read at any angle, and the menu navigation is intuitive. Voice control via Alexa is a fun extra, though I mostly used the touchscreen and the mobile app.
Wireless printing was rock-solid throughout my testing. The dual-band Wi-Fi held a stable connection even through two interior walls, and I never had to re-pair the printer. The compact footprint (14.8 x 14 x 6.7 inches) means it fits comfortably on a corner of my desk without crowding my workspace.
Who should buy this inkjet printer
The TS6520 is for anyone who values compact design, quiet operation, and reliable wireless printing. It’s an especially good fit for hybrid workers who print from a laptop in a small home office.
It’s also a strong choice for photo enthusiasts who want better-than-budget photo quality without paying for a dedicated photo printer.
Who should skip this inkjet printer
Skip this model if you need an automatic document feeder. The TS6520 doesn’t include one.
Heavy volume users should consider an ink tank printer to reduce long-term ink costs.
6. HP Envy Photo 7975 – Best Inkjet Printer for Photos
HP Envy Photo 7975 Wireless Color Inkjet Photo Printer, Print, scan, Copy, Easy Setup, Mobile Printing, Best-for-Home, 3 Month Instant Ink Trial Included, AI-Enabled (B63K3A)
Photo-focused all-in-one
35-sheet ADF
3-month Instant Ink trial
Pros
- True-to-screen borderless photo prints
- Dedicated separate photo tray for media switching
- 2.7 inch color touchscreen with intuitive menus
- 3-month Instant Ink trial included
- 35-sheet automatic document feeder
Cons
- Small cartridges yield only around 10 photos per set
- Wi-Fi can drop intermittently
- Color accuracy falls short of 5-plus cartridge photo printers
- No borderless printing on letter-size paper
The HP Envy Photo 7975 is HP’s dedicated home photo printer in the Envy line, and it shows. The separate photo tray is a feature I wish more printers had: I could leave plain paper in the main tray and glossy photo paper in the photo tray, switching between document and photo printing without swapping media. The 2.7 inch color touchscreen is the most intuitive interface in this roundup.
Photo quality is excellent for a 4-ink home printer. Borderless 4×6 prints came out sharp and true to my calibrated monitor, with natural skin tones and accurate color reproduction. HP’s P3 color technology is a real differentiator, though serious photographers will notice that a dedicated 6-ink photo printer delivers richer prints.
The 3-month Instant Ink trial is a nice perk. HP monitors your ink levels and ships replacement cartridges before you run out. If you print consistently, the subscription model saves money. If your printing is sporadic, you can skip the subscription and buy cartridges outright, though the small cartridge yields mean frequent replacements.
The 35-sheet ADF is generous for a photo-focused printer. Scanning multi-page documents is convenient, though the ADF is single-sided. Mobile printing through the HP Smart app is reliable, and setup took less than 10 minutes on my Wi-Fi network.
Who should buy this inkjet printer
The Envy Photo 7975 is ideal for families who print a steady stream of photos alongside homework and documents. The dedicated photo tray and Instant Ink trial make it easy to keep printing without thinking about supplies.
It’s also a smart pick for scrapbookers, photo hobbyists, and small Etsy sellers who need quick, quality photo prints.
Who should skip this inkjet printer
Skip this model if you print thousands of pages per month. The cartridge ink cost adds up fast without the Instant Ink subscription.
Professional photographers who need gallery-quality prints should invest in a dedicated photo printer with 6 or more ink cartridges.
7. Canon PIXMA TR7120 – Best Inkjet with Automatic Document Feeder
Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer, Duplex Printing, White – Home Printer with Copier/Scanner, Auto Document Feeder, Compact Design, Intuitive Control Panel
All-in-one with ADF
Automatic duplex
1.42 inch OLED display
Pros
- Auto Document Feeder handles multi-page scanning and copying
- Automatic 2-sided printing for time and paper savings
- Compact design fits small home workspaces
- Sharp text and vivid colors from 2-cartridge hybrid ink system
- 1.42 inch OLED display for clear status readouts
- Mobile printing via Canon PRINT App and Apple AirPrint
Cons
- Uses traditional cartridges (not refillable tanks)
- Single paper tray limits media flexibility
The Canon PIXMA TR7120 is the printer I’d recommend to anyone who needs an automatic document feeder on a budget. It combines a compact footprint with the ADF feature that most budget inkjets skip, plus automatic duplex printing. For a budget-conscious buyer, it’s a feature-packed home office all-in-one.
The ADF scans and copies multi-page documents without babysitting. I tested it on a 12-page mixed document and it pulled through every page without a jam, though it is single-sided. The flatbed scanner handles single-page scans and books when needed.
Print quality matches what I’ve come to expect from Canon PIXMA printers. The 2-cartridge hybrid system pairs pigment black for sharp text with dye color for vivid graphics. Documents looked professional at default settings, and 4×6 photos on Canon photo paper came out with natural skin tones and sharp details.
The 1.42 inch OLED display is a thoughtful upgrade over the LCD screens on cheaper Canons. Setup was painless through Canon’s mobile app, and the printer showed up on my Wi-Fi network within minutes of unboxing.
Who should buy this inkjet printer
The TR7120 is built for home office workers who need ADF scanning without paying for a full office printer. It’s ideal for taxes, school paperwork, and digitizing old records.
It’s also a strong choice for small businesses that need occasional scanning and copying alongside everyday printing.
Who should skip this inkjet printer
Skip the TR7120 if you print more than 100 pages per month. The cartridge ink cost adds up faster than ink tank alternatives.
If you need a duplex ADF (for double-sided scanning), step up to the Brother MFC-J4335DW or a higher-end Canon Maxify.
8. HP Envy 6155 – Best Eco-Friendly Inkjet Printer
HP Envy 6155 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Print, Scan, Copy, Duplex Printing Best-for-Home, 3 Month Trial of Instant Ink Included, AI-Capable (C2WR7A) Portobello
Self-healing Wi-Fi
2.4 inch touchscreen
Made with 60 percent recycled plastic
Pros
- Reliable dual-band Wi-Fi with self-healing connection
- 2.4 inch intuitive color touchscreen
- True-to-screen color reproduction via HP P3 technology
- HP AI optimizes web and email print formatting
- Automatic duplex printing with 100-sheet input tray
- Made with at least 60 percent recycled plastic
Cons
- Cartridge-based ink system is more expensive long-term
- Print speed lags behind higher-end HP Envy models
- HP firmware blocks non-HP cartridges via updates
The HP Envy 6155 stands out in the budget inkjet category for two reasons: sustainability and wireless reliability. The printer is made with at least 60 percent recycled plastic, and HP’s self-healing Wi-Fi automatically detects and resolves connectivity issues. If you’ve struggled with printers dropping off your network, this one solves that problem.
The 2.4 inch color touchscreen is intuitive and responsive. I found the menus easy to navigate, and the ink level readouts were clear. HP’s P3 color technology produces true-to-screen prints, which is a noticeable step up from older Envy models. Web and email printing is optimized by HP’s AI, which cleans up formatting before sending to print.
Wireless performance was the best in my test batch. The self-healing Wi-Fi recovered from a router reboot without manual intervention, which is something I can’t say about the other budget inkjets. Dual-band support (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) gives you flexibility on congested networks.
Print quality is solid for everyday use. Black text is crisp, and color graphics looked natural. Photo prints are decent on HP photo paper, though not at the level of the Envy Photo 7975. Automatic duplex printing works reliably without manual flipping.
Who should buy this inkjet printer
The Envy 6155 is for environmentally conscious buyers who want a printer made with recycled materials. It’s also a great choice for anyone frustrated by Wi-Fi dropouts on other printers.
It’s a good fit for casual home users who print fewer than 200 pages per month and want a hassle-free experience.
Who should skip this inkjet printer
Skip this model if you print more than 200 pages per month. Cartridge ink gets expensive without the Instant Ink subscription.
If you regularly use third-party ink cartridges, be aware that HP’s firmware blocks them. Look at Canon or Epson if you want refillable ink tanks.
9. Brother Work Smart 1410 – Best Inkjet for Small Offices
Brother Work Smart 1410 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with 2.7” Touchscreen and Automatic Duplex Printing | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1) (MFC-J1410DW)
2.7 inch touchscreen
20-sheet ADF
Cloud app integration
Pros
- copy
- scan
- and fax in one compact machine
- 2.7 inch color touchscreen with cloud app integration
- Automatic duplex printing and 20-sheet ADF
- 150-sheet paper tray reduces refill frequency
- Print speeds up to 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color
- Wireless and USB connectivity
Cons
- Uses traditional cartridges rather than refillable tanks
- ADF is single-sided only (no duplex ADF)
- Mixed long-term reliability reviews
The Brother Work Smart 1410 (MFC-J1410DW) is Brother’s mid-range home office all-in-one, and it brings serious office features to a mid-tier price point. The 2.7 inch color touchscreen is one of the nicest interfaces in this roundup, and cloud app integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive makes it easy to scan directly to the cloud without a computer.
Print speed is solid for a home office inkjet. I timed a 10-page document at 38 seconds, which is competitive with laser printers in the same price range. The 20-sheet ADF handles multi-page scanning and copying, though it is single-sided only. For double-sided scanning, you’d need to step up to a higher-end model.
The 150-sheet paper tray is generous for the price, and the dual trays (one main, one bypass) handle plain paper, glossy photo paper, and envelopes without swapping. Brother’s Mobile Connect app is mature and reliable, with clear ink monitoring and one-tap mobile printing.
Wireless performance was solid throughout testing. The dual-band Wi-Fi held a stable connection, and Wi-Fi Direct support means you can print from a phone without joining the main network. Print quality is sharp for documents and good enough for casual photos.
Who should buy this inkjet printer
The Work Smart 1410 is built for small office and home office users who need fax, scan, copy, and print in one machine. The cloud app integration is a standout feature for paperless workflows.
It’s also a good choice for families with mixed needs, including the occasional tax return, school project, or scan-and-email workflow.
Who should skip this inkjet printer
Skip this model if you print more than 200 pages per month. The cartridge ink cost adds up compared to ink tank alternatives like the MFC-J4335DW.
If you need duplex ADF scanning, look at higher-end Brother MFC models or the Epson EcoTank ET-5850.
10. Brother INKvestment 1365 – Best High-Yield Inkjet Printer
Brother INKvestment 1365 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with Automatic Duplex Printing and 1.8” Color Display | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1) (MFC-J1365DW)
1,200-page black yield
Wi-Fi Direct
Linux compatible
Pros
- Large ink cartridges with 1
- 200-page black and 500-page color yields
- Automatic duplex printing and 20-page ADF
- 150-sheet paper tray for fewer refills
- Print speeds up to 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color
- 1.8 inch color display with cloud app integration
- Wi-Fi Direct support for printing without a network
- Works well with Linux in addition to Windows and Mac
Cons
- Setup can be clumsy switching from Wi-Fi to USB
- Color intensity is moderate for photo output
- Occasional Wi-Fi dropouts after long idle periods
The Brother INKvestment 1365 (MFC-J1365DW) is the high-yield cousin of the MFC-J4335DW, and it uses the same INKvestment cartridge system with larger cartridges. The black cartridge yields an impressive 1,200 pages per cartridge, while color cartridges deliver 500 pages each. For users who want cartridge convenience but lower per-page cost than standard cartridges, this is the sweet spot.
Print quality resembles laser output, which is the signature of Brother’s INKvestment line. Black text is crisp and sharp at default settings, and the high-yield cartridges deliver consistent output over their lifespan. Color output is accurate for documents and charts but not as vivid as dedicated photo printers.
The 1.8 inch color display is small but functional. Cloud app integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive is a nice touch for paperless workflows. The 150-sheet paper tray and 20-page ADF are generous for the price, though the ADF is single-sided.
Linux compatibility is a standout feature for tech users. Brother provides reliable Linux drivers through the Brother Mobile Connect app and direct driver downloads. Setup was smooth on my Linux test machine after a quick driver install.
Who should buy this inkjet printer
The INKvestment 1365 is ideal for users who want cartridge convenience with lower per-page cost than standard cartridges. It’s a smart pick for Linux users who struggle to find compatible inkjet printers.
It’s also a good choice for small offices that print 100-300 pages per month and want predictable ink replacement schedules.
Who should skip this inkjet printer
Skip this model if you print less than 50 pages per month. The higher-capacity cartridges don’t pay off at low volumes.
Photo enthusiasts who need vivid color output should look at the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 or a dedicated photo printer.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Inkjet Printer?
Choosing the best inkjet printer comes down to how much you print, what you print, and how much you’re willing to spend on ink over time. Let me walk you through the key decisions.
Inkjet vs Laser: Which Is Better for Home Use?
Inkjet printers are the better choice for most home users because they handle photos, color graphics, and mixed documents with ease. Laser printers excel at high-volume black-and-white text printing and cost less per page for that specific use case, but they can’t match inkjets on photo quality.
If you print mostly text documents in monochrome and rarely need color, a monochrome laser printer will be cheaper to operate. If you print anything in color, especially photos, inkjet is the only real option. For most families and home offices, inkjet wins. We cover the laser side separately in our guide to the best laser printers.
Ink Tank vs Cartridge: The Cost Per Page Question
Ink tank printers, also called supertank or MegaTank printers, use refillable ink reservoirs that you top off with bottles. Cartridge printers use disposable cartridges that you replace when empty. The cost difference is dramatic: ink tank printers deliver cost-per-page figures under one cent, while cartridge printers often exceed 10 cents per color page.
For users who print more than 50 pages per month, ink tank is the clear winner. The upfront cost is higher, but the savings on ink over a year typically pay back the difference within 6-12 months. For users who print fewer than 20 pages per month, cartridges can be more convenient since ink lasts longer in sealed cartridges.
Key Features to Compare
When shopping for an inkjet printer, these are the features that matter most: print resolution (DPI) for photo quality, print speed (ppm) for productivity, automatic duplex printing for paper savings, automatic document feeder (ADF) for scanning and copying, paper capacity for fewer refills, and connectivity (Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, Ethernet, mobile apps).
For photo printing, look for borderless printing support and at least 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution. For home office use, prioritize duplex printing, ADF, and fast print speeds. For mixed family use, balance photo quality with document performance.
Brand Reliability: HP vs Epson vs Canon vs Brother
Based on long-term user feedback, Brother consistently ranks as the most reliable inkjet brand for sustained use, particularly in office settings. Epson EcoTank models excel on ink cost and photo quality. Canon PIXMA printers deliver excellent photo output but use cartridges. HP Envy and HP Smart Tank printers offer strong wireless features but use cartridges or smaller ink tanks.
For users prioritizing long-term cost and reliability, Brother and Epson are the strongest picks. For photo quality, Canon and Epson lead. For wireless features and smart home integration, HP is competitive.
How Long Do Inkjet Printers Last?
A well-maintained inkjet printer typically lasts 3-5 years for light home use, and 5-7 years for occasional use. Heavy users may see 2-3 years before print quality degrades. The main failure points are the print head (which can clog if not used regularly) and the paper feed mechanism.
To extend printer life, print at least one page per week to prevent ink from drying in the print head. Use the printer regularly rather than letting it sit for months. Keep it in a climate-controlled space, since extreme humidity and temperature can damage the electronics.
Are Inkjet Printers Good for Occasional Use?
Inkjet printers can be frustrating for occasional users because the print heads can clog when ink dries inside the nozzles. If you print fewer than 10 pages per month, expect to run cleaning cycles that waste ink before you get a clean print.
For occasional users, monochrome laser printers are often a better choice since toner doesn’t dry out. If you must use inkjet for occasional color printing, look for models with sealed print heads or ink tank systems, which resist drying better than cartridge-based printers.
Ink Subscription Services
HP Instant Ink, Canon Pixma Print Plan, and Brother Refresh EZ Print are subscription services that monitor your ink levels and ship replacement cartridges before you run out. The economic case is strong for users who print consistently, but breaks down for sporadic printers.
For users who print 50-300 pages per month, ink subscriptions can cut ink costs by 50 percent or more. For users who print fewer than 20 pages per month, the subscription fees often exceed the actual ink value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which inkjet printer has the cheapest ink?
Ink tank printers deliver the cheapest ink by a wide margin. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 and Canon MegaTank G3270 both achieve cost-per-page figures under one cent for black and color printing. Cartridge-based printers typically cost 5 to 15 cents per color page, making ink tank printers the clear winner for any user who prints more than 50 pages per month.
Are inkjet printers worth it?
Yes, inkjet printers are worth it for most home users. They handle photos, color documents, and mixed printing with versatility that laser printers cannot match. Modern ink tank models have solved the cost-per-page problem that frustrated buyers for years, making inkjet a smart choice for families, students, photographers, and home office workers.
Should I buy an ink tank printer?
You should buy an ink tank printer if you print more than 50 pages per month. The upfront cost is higher, but the savings on refill bottles pay back the premium within 6 to 12 months for most users. Ink tank printers also reduce cartridge waste and the frustration of running out of ink at inconvenient times.
What is the best all-in-one inkjet printer?
The best all-in-one inkjet printer depends on your needs. For pure value, the Brother MFC-J4335DW leads with fast print speeds, duplex, and ADF at a mid-range price. For lowest ink cost, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is hard to beat. For budget shoppers, the Canon PIXMA TR7120 includes an ADF and duplex printing in an affordable package.
How long do inkjet printers last?
A well-maintained inkjet printer typically lasts 3 to 5 years for light home use and 5 to 7 years for occasional use. Heavy users may see 2 to 3 years before print quality degrades. To extend printer life, print at least one page per week to prevent ink from drying in the print head, and keep the printer in a climate-controlled space.
Final Verdict: Which Inkjet Printer Should You Buy in 2026?
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 remains our top pick for the best inkjet printer overall thanks to its cartridge-free design, two years of ink in the box, and reliable photo output. For home office buyers who need speed and an ADF, the Brother MFC-J4335DW is the better match. Budget shoppers who print occasionally should look at the Canon PIXMA TS4320.
Whatever you choose, focus on how much you print, not just the upfront price. A slightly more expensive ink tank printer will save you significantly on ink over its lifetime, while a cheap cartridge-based printer can end up costing far more in ink than the printer itself within a year. Pick the right printer for your volume, and you’ll be happy with the best inkjet printer for years to come.